Over the past several weeks, FC Africa Development, in partnership with the International Labour Organization (ILO) under the PROSPECTS programme, has taken the Integrated Business Plan Competition (BPC) across its three implementation regions before bringing the conversation to the national stage in Addis Ababa.
The journey began with the Jigjiga/Fafan launch on 24 August 2026, followed by Assosa on 27 August 2026, and the Amhara regional launch for Dabat/Alemwach on 15 September 2026. The series concluded with the national launch in Addis Ababa on 2 October 2026. The Assosa launch formed part of the programmeโs regional sensitisation activities, while the Amhara launch was organised for the Dabat/Gondar operation on 15 September. TOR – BPC Photography Service Aโฆ Limited_Source_Justification_Meโฆ
But the launches were about more than introducing a new programme.
Across the regions, representatives from Bureaus of Labour and Skills (BoLS), UNHCR, the Refugees and Returnees Service (RRS), financial institutions, the private sector, community structures, refugees and host communities came together to discuss the realities facing entrepreneurs and the opportunities the BPC can help unlock. The regional events combined programme presentations, stakeholder remarks and conversations around the competition, its target groups and the support available to participants. TOR – BPC Photography Service Aโฆ
The national launch in Addis Ababa widened that conversation. Representatives from the Ministry of Labour and Skills (MoLS), ILO, UNHCR, RRS, development partners, financial institutions and the private sector explored what it takes to create more inclusive economic opportunities for refugees and host communities.
Through presentations and panel discussions, speakers shared perspectives on entrepreneurship, employment creation, MSME development and financial inclusion. A recurring insight was clear: good ideas need more than capital. Entrepreneurs also need skills, mentorship, market understanding, stronger business plans and connections to institutions that can support their growth.
The Integrated Business Plan Competition is an 18-month entrepreneurship and enterprise-development programme supporting eligible refugees and host-community members in Jigjiga/Fafan, Assosa and Dabat/Alemwach.
Participants will move through a structured journey that includes entrepreneurship training, business-plan development, coaching and mentoring, financial education, access-to-finance linkages and financial awards for selected enterprises.
Across the three locations, the programme aims to reach 3,000 prospective entrepreneurs, support 900 participants through intensive training and business-plan development, and provide financial awards and post-award support to 450 enterprises.
With the launches complete, the BPC now moves from introduction to implementation.
The next chapter will happen with the entrepreneurs themselves: developing ideas, testing opportunities, building stronger business plans and turning promising concepts into viable enterprises.